Other Destinations to visit

Cordoba, Argentina

Attractions in Cordoba, Argentina: What to do and where to go

The colonial city of Cordoba conserves its beautiful, impacting architecture, offering extraordinary examples of the fusion of styles, values and cultures between Europeans and the indigenous peoples. The large student community actively participates in promoting and organizing a wide variety of cultural events all throughout the year. The city's surrounding areas house many attractions that allow visitors to fully experience the history of Argentina while enjoying beautiful landscapes.

Considered a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO, the series of buildings constructed by the Jesuits during the seventeenth century and beginning of the eighteenth century are the focal point of Cordoba's downtown historic center. The rest of the city is filled with amazing museums, theaters and cultural areas.

Get to know the attractions of Cordoba, Argentina, and enjoy an unforgettable vacation in this beautiful colonial city.

City Tours

Cordoba's contagious atmosphere will take you on a journey into the past as you travel through beautiful settings. On foot, by car or on board a tour bus with panoramic views, a tour of the city allows you to see centuries-old churches, spacious parks and squares filled with gardens. The streets of downtown are especially attractive, with a combination of colonial architecture and buildings inspired by the Art Deco of the 30s, especially on Belgrano Street. During a tour, you can view the innumerable churches along with a large quantity of museums. Downtown also offers wide pedestrian streets and commercial areas so that locals and visitors can stretch their legs.

Paseo del Buen Pastor

El Paseo del Buen Pastor (The Good Shepherd's Promenade) is a cultural center on Hipolito Yrigoyen Avenue in the historic district. Modern and functional, it includes a beautiful colonial chapel and conserves original pieces such as porticos and columns, combining contemporary and historic elements. It's made up of diverse spaces designed to house art exhibitions along with various galleries, theaters, cinemas, concert halls and dancing fountains that perform a light and music show in the evenings. There are spacious gardens, terraces, plazas and open-air areas for relaxing, surrounded by excellent restaurants and cafes. El Paseo del Buen Pastor is a true delight for art lovers!

Parque Sarmiento

This park is Cordoba's most important garden area. Located a short distance from downtown, it has great spaces that are ideal for relaxing, resting, walking or just enjoying the fresh air. The park has facilities for outdoor events, including an amphitheater. Around the park one can find cultural areas, museums and various ponds filled with ducks and other birds.

The Jesuit Block

One of Cordoba's main attractions is the Jesuit Block, a series of colonial buildings that has been declared a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO. The Jesuit Block is a city block of buildings constructed by the Jesuits during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, including schools, temples and residences. Among the more stand-out features are a crypt at the underground novitiate temple, the Company of Jesus Church (the oldest temple in Argentina), and Argentina's first university, which has been converted into a historic museum by the Cordoba National University.

Cathedral

The city's most important religious building is the Catedral de Cordoba, whose construction began during the sixteenth century. Its architecture combines neoclassical, romantic and baroque elements fused with indigenous details. The interior design highlights vault paintings and a variety of contemporary adornments.

Set in front of the cathedral to form what is considered the heart of the city is Plaza San Martin, an everyday meeting place for hundreds of locals walking through the streets of the historic area. Due to the ever-increasing number of local youth, this central plaza is often frequented by students of all ages, especially from the universities.

Museums

Any visit to this beautiful colonial city wouldn't be complete without a tour of one of Cordoba's many interesting museums, which are scattered all throughout the city. Most are situated in the historic center, and many are located within prestigious colonial buildings. Some of these museums display the city's history. Others offer exhibits featuring local artists or religious art, while some present technological and scientific advances. Among the best museums are the Eva Duarte de Peron Museum of Fine Arts (also known as Palacio Ferreyra, featuring works by regional artists), the Emilio Caraffa Provincial Museum of Fine Arts (with an expansive library specializing in the arts), and the Juan de Tejeda Museum of Religious Art.

You can also visit the Marques de Sobremonte History Museum (displaying colonial items), the Anthropology Museum of the Cordoba National University, and the Classics Museum (with over two thousand classic pieces ranging from automobiles to war tanks). The Genaro Perez Museum (contemporary art), the Bishop Jose Antonio de San Alberto Museum (religious artifacts and a small concert hall), and the Latin American Artisans Museum are all interesting options.

Jesuit Estancias Route

Fascinating tours are available around the outskirts of the city to explore the legacy of the Jesuits, shown through colonial "estancias" (ranches) featuring truly unique architecture. The estancias were originally used as centers for agricultural, textile and industrial production to sustain these missionaries along with their communities. They used to contain residences, chapels and farms. Today, the Jesuit estancias are museums, cultural centers and active temples, each of incalculable historic and artistic value.

Many of the original buildings remain in good condition and have been included on the list of the UNESCO's World Heritage Sites, along with the Jesuit Block in downtown Cordoba. Most of these estancias were constructed during the seventeenth century, including Caroya in 1616, Jesus Maria in 1618, Santa Catalina in 1622, Alta Gracia in 1643, and La Candelaria in 1683. Each of these estancias is located less than thirty miles from Cordoba, except for Santa Catalina, which is 45 miles away, and La Candelaria, which is 90 miles away. During your business trip or vacation in Argentina, don't forget to visit the incomparable attractions of the beautiful city of Cordoba!